Whether it’s performance or policy, there’s rarely an episode of The Tax Track that doesn’t mention HMRC. In this special episode we talk to one of the senior leaders at HMRC, Jonathan Athow, Director General for Customer Strategy and Tax Design.

The government’s stated priorities for HMRC are to modernise and reform the tax system, improve customer service and close the tax gap; Athow explains how HMRC intends to deliver on those priorities, and crucially, what this means for ICAEW members.

Links 

Tax software article (Sept Taxline)

• HMRC promises new digital solutions for taxpayers and agents | ICAEW
  https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/jul-2025/hmrc-promises-new-digital-solutions-for-taxpayers-and-agents
• Up to 3 million individuals may need to comply with MTD | ICAEW
  https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/aug-2025/up-to-3-million-individuals-may-need-to-comply-with-mtd
• Have your say on draft Finance Bill legislation | ICAEW
  https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/jul-2025/have-your-say-on-draft-finance-bill-legislation
• HMRC is taking longer to respond to post | ICAEW
  https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/aug-2025/hmrc-is-taking-longer-to-respond-to-post

Host

Stephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEW

Guest

Jonathan Athow, Director General, Customer Strategy and Tax Design, HMRC

Producer

Natalie Chisholm

Episode recorded 21 August 2025

Episode published 3 September 2025